Sunday, July 30, 2017

Hello there! It is time to get my progressive card for the Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge uploaded.

Check out the cute image that we got to work with this month...

Everyone who played along in last month's challenge received Strawberry Mouse for free. If you decide to hop on and play along in the Gerda Steiner
Designs Progressive Challenge, then you can purchase this digital by
clicking HERE (or on the watermark above to head to its location in the store). This
way you'll receive next month's digital stamp for free.

Here are my card and details...

General Info:

This card has been created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop). I will print it out and assemble it a later date.

Here is one of the things that is so AWESOME about creating digital backdrops for your cards. When you are in a hurry but still want to do a great job, you can re-use backgrounds or layouts that you've used before. Case in point: I'm in my head overwater right now and had to get my card done for this challenge. The image reminded me of a card I did earlier this year and the original card base--layout, papers, etc. were perfect as a backdrop for this particular card. I still had to put in a few hours to colour my image, a bit of time to tweak the card itself to accommodate a smaller sized image, and change the sentiment on the inside but I saved a bit of time by using an existing design. In the end, though the two cards may be similar, each is unique in its own way.

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

Strawberry Mouse: You can find this image in the store. Details above.

This image was coloured with a combination of digital painting and paper piecing. Credits include:

The mouse was paper pieced with a fur texture from Salic33 (via Deviant Art) and then I added shade to give it some depth.

Strawberries were coloured by hand digitally.

The sky and clouds were created using a pattern courtesy of Webtreats, Etc.

Two Strawberries: This was the perfect image to add to the sentiment. You can
find it in the Pattie's Creations Etsy shop by clicking on the image name or watermark
linked below.

Digital Sentiment Details:

This pun sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC. It is available in the Sweet Sentiments Birthday set. For great freebies and inspiration be sure to click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store.

Digital Embellishments:

The buttons were created using a template and the button strings
were an existing element that I recoloured to suit the purpose of this
card. Both of these items were originally designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

INSIDE

Digital Image Details:

Strawberry Love Heart: This is such a pretty image that works so well as a frame. This image can
also be found in the Pattie's Creations Etsy store.

I decided to just colour the outline instead of all the berries to give it a sort of outline silhouette look.

Digital Sentiment Details:

The sentiment used on the inside of my card was also created by Paulette from Create with TLC.

OVERALLDigital Paper Products:

I have used two papers from the Tooty Fruity kit, along with a paper from the Satin Fabrics kit. All these papers are from Imagine That Digistamp. Click on the wms below to find them in the store.

Digital Embellishments:

I have used basic shapes in Photoshop Elements to create matting in behind the image and the sentiment.

I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Hello everyone! It is officially summer in the northern hemisphere. During the hot summer months there is nothing better than dipping ones' toes in the water. I've been fortunate enough to dip my toes in the actual ocean a few times. However, it hasn't happened often since I live in the middle of the country, thousands of kilometres from the nearest coast. Now, even if I can't get to the ocean I can still dream of it and the fun of summer and today's blog hop will help. It will also help you to build up your TLC collection as well!

Many of us on the Create with TLC Design Team will be hosting a spot during the blog hop. All of us will share a creation that we have made using at least one if not more of Paulette's elements and just YOUR luck, the image that we all use will be available for free download on each blog hop stop along the way! You'll also be able to pick up a free word art creation at Paulette's blog.

You should have arrived here from the talented Ileana's blog. If you are just starting, you can find a full list of all the hop stops at the bottom of this post.

For my card, I got to use the Trio at the Beach image you see below; so, be sure to head on over to Paulette's BLOG and leave her some love if you grab it!

To save image, left click to bring it up in the lightbox in its full size and then right click and scroll down to 'save image as'.

Time to check out the card I created...

General Information:

This card has been created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop).

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

Trio at the Beach: As mentioned previously,
the image used on the front is the freebie that Paulette is allowing me
to offer up on my blog. You can grab it above.

Digital Embellishments:

The pennant shapes were created from a template picked up from Marisa Lerin, Pixel Scrapper. They have been paper pieced with papers from my A Taste of Summer Kit (details below).

The brads I have used are also from this same kit. (link below).

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details:

The circular sentiment stamp is from the Dolphins set from Imagine That Digistamp. You can find it in the store HERE.

The Old is Hot sentiment is one of Paulette's sentiments as well.

OVERALLDigital Paper Products:

The papers used are from my A Taste of Summer Kit. The papers and the Brads are can be purchased in the Scribbles Designs store. You can find it HERE.

Digital Embellishments:

I have used basic shapes in Photoshop Elements to create matting in behind the image and the sentiment.

I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

Challenges I am hoping to enter...

***Please note that if the word verification appears, ignore it and simply click the 'publish' button**

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Progressive Challenge is actually on Facebook (FB) in the Limited Runs Group and can be found HERE.
You will need to join the group in order to access the information. Now
thankfully, Nikki is willing to accept mailed in entries for those
people like me who don't have FB accounts. You can find her email addy
in the side bar of the store (click on the image above to head there). In fact, if you don't have a blog, that is
okay too. Simply send a photo and she'll add you in.

Check out the fun image that we got to work with this month...

If you'd like to purchase this image you can find it over in the
Limited Runs Store on a special page that will showcase all the
Progressive Challenge images. Click HERE
to head there now. The Smiling Monster image isavailable until July 13th at 12:00 a.m. for $1.00, then it will go up to its regular price.

Each round of Progressive Challenges will last for three months and there
will be a grand prize winner at the end of each round.

Each Round Lasts 1 Month:

Starts on the 15th and ends on the 13th with a winner

1st Round:

Free Digi until the 29th of the month. Then you can buy into the challenge for $1.00

2nd Round:

Free Digi (if you played Round 1 & entered) or you can buy into the challenge for $1.00

3rd Round:

Free Digi ( if you played Round 2 & entered) or you can buy into the challenge for $1.00

We are currently in the 2nd round of this stage.

Here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details:

General Info:

This card has been created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop). I will print it out and assemble it a later date.

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

Smiling Monster: You can find this image in the store. Details above.

This image was coloured digitally using my Rebelle program.

Digital Embellishment Details:

The pennant shapes were created using a custom shape in Photoshop Elements. This custom shape was designed by Heather of HG Designs.

I have altered these custom shapes with a layer style to give them a bit of a fuzzy look like the monsters. This layer style was also designed by Heather.

INSIDE

Digital Embellishment Details:

I used the same images that I used on my paper as embellishments on the inside. Image is courtesy of Chris Spooner, Spoongraphics.

OVERALLDigital Sentiment Details:

These sentiments were created by Paulette
from Create with TLC. They are both freebies I picked up a long time ago. For great freebies and inspiration be sure to
click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store.

Digital Paper Products:

This is a paper that I created especially for this card. I plan on offering it up as a freebie later in the week--hopefully.

Digital Embellishments:

I have used basic shapes in Photoshop Elements to create matting in behind the image and the sentiment.

I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

Friday, July 07, 2017

Hey folks! I'm here today to announce the next challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge. This time around for Challenge #136, the theme is Something Sweet. I'm sure you will have no problems coming up with ideas for this challenge. There are so many images out there with candy, cake, ice cream and/or other sweet treats and just as many reasons to make a card. Maybe you'd like to wish someone a sweet birthday or let them know what a sweet friend they are to you. You could get proactive and create a Christmas card with candy canes or a gingerbread house or simply say thank you to someone who has recently been sweet to you. There are lots of ideas to explore and if you don't have any images such as those mentioned above, you can always find one in the Pattie's Creation store!

Here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details:

General Info:

This card has been created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop). I will print it out and assemble it a later date.

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

Ice Cream Cone Trio: Such a yummy image. You can find it in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the name or
watermark linked below.

This image has been coloured digitally using Rebelle.

Digital Sentiment Details:

The sentiment on the front was created by Paulette
from Create with TLC. It is a freebie I received a while back. For great freebies and inspiration be sure to
click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store. This sentiment has been recoloured to suit the purposes of this project.

All of the papers used are from my A Taste of Summer kit which is available for sale in the Scribbles Designs store. The ice cream treats paper used in the background on the front and inside is available in the Patterned Papers section of the kit. On the front I have also used a paper from the Bonus Glitter Papers section and one from the Textured Papers section. The Patterned Papers and Textured Papers are sold individually or as part of the full kit. You can purchase the Bonus Glitter Papers along with Bonus Natural Textured Papers or once again as part of the full kit which can be found HERE.

Digital Embellishments:

The brads used on the front of the card are from the Brads, Ribbons & Bows section of the above mentioned kit.

The ice cream treat stickers used on the inside of the card are from the Sticker Elements section of the above mentioned kit as well.

I have used basic shapes in Photoshop Elements to create matting in behind the image and the sentiment.

I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

You have until Aug 3rd to enter our challenge which should give you
lots of time to get a creation done. Remember the theme is Something Sweet.
I really hope that you will be able to join us. You can enter twice per challenge and of
course MUST follow all the challenge requirements that are posted for
each challenge (please click HERE
to become familiar with all the rules). In addition to all the typical criterion, you MUST USE A DIGITAL OR
STAMPED IMAGE to qualify for the drawing (unless stated otherwise). We
would absolutely love to see you use a Pattie's Creations
(PC) image on your card, but you are allowed to use other images. If
you do use a PC image, you will gain an extra entry in the draw and will
have a better chance to WIN! Easy Peasy right?!

Pop over to the challenge
blog and check out what my fabulous teammates have offered up for
inspiration. Oh and don't forget…Pattie offers up a new freebie the
first Friday of the month and it will remain up for approximately two
weeks; so, be sure to pop over and check it out as well!

Well guys, that is it for this one. Hopefully I will see you all very soon.

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

It is the Fourth of July (for a couple more hours yet) and that means that all my wonderful American friends, followers and readers are celebrating Independence Day today. As promised on Saturday, here is another freebie--this time in honour of the good 'ole U.S. of A.

Since I used the maple leaf from the Canadian flag for the Canada Day paper, I decided to stick with the same type of theme as today's paper features stars which can be found on the American flag. Check it out...

This digital paper is one that will become part of theSpirit of Americakit
that I am working on. It is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and
published at 300 dpi. I've used resources from Pixel Scrapper and HG Designs.
Full credits in the file. To grab it, click the download button to be
taken to a download location. In the zip folder you will find a copy of
the paper, its preview sheet, the full credit information and my terms
of use which are standard to all my folders.

Well folks, that is it for this one. I will be back on Friday to announce the newest challenge over at Pattie's Creations!

Saturday, July 01, 2017

I'm not the only one celebrating a milestone birthday this year. While I turned a mere 50, Canada has just turned 150!

In the past I have shared some of the myths about Canada and today I'm going to share a couple of weather facts. While many people seem to believe that it snows all year round in Canada, we do in fact have some rather warm weather in the summer as well though I do have to admit, it can get kind of cold in our winters as well.

Point in fact:
The coldest temperature on record took place on February 3, 1947 in the small Yukon hamlet of Snag, where the temperatures dipped to a rather frigid -62.8° C. Now for all of you who use the Imperial System that equates to -81.04° F. Apparently, there was a joke among the meteorologists that they were unable to toast the new record because the alcohol found at the bottom of their thermometers had frozen. Additionally, it was stated that the air was so still that exhaled breaths could be heard making a hissing noise that lasted for several minutes--not just seconds. You also wouldn't want to find yourself outside with any skin exposed either because in those temperatures it froze in less than three minutes. The coldest I've seen in my time in Northern Ontario was -54° C but that was with the wind chill. This leads us to the highest wind chill temperature recorded which occurred on January 28, 1989, in Pelly Bay, N.W.T, where while the temperature was a mere -51° C it felt more like -91° C (-131.8° F). I definitely wouldn't be dipping my toes outside the door in that weather!

On the other spectrum of the scale, our warmest temperature on record occurred July 5, 1937 where the temp soared to 45° C (113° F). I know this is probably a typical day in the Southern States in the summer but for us, it is kinda warm. When it comes to the humidex, while Windsor, Ontario happens to have the honour of being Canada’s most humid city holding the record for the highest humidex values over the course of a number of years, in 2007 in Carman, Manitoba, it reached a rather uncomfortable 53° C (127.4° F). I wouldn't have survived in that kind of weather as anything above the mid 40s and I can't take in any oxygen due to my asthma. Thank goodness for air conditioning!

Love it or hate it, our weather is a fact of life and it is interesting to reflect on the records made during this past 150 years.

Now it is time for the main purpose of today's post--a freebie in honour of this amazing milestone birthday…

Another interesting fact that I found out during these last two weeks is that the actual Canadian Flag is a registered copyright symbol of the Canadian government and cannot be used either commercially or even non-commercially without prior written approval of the government. I had no idea and it was a good thing I found out as I had originally intended on using the flag for this paper. I'm hoping to write the government and receive permission so that I am able to use it in future years. I also found out the nine pointed maple leaf, along with some other symbols, are also copyrighted. However, the leaf may be used commercially as long as one doesn't try to claim it as their own. Apparently the Canadian government has already done that!

This digital paper is one that will become part of the Oh Canada kit that I am working on. It is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. I've used resources from Clker-Free-Vector-Images (Pixabay) and HG Designs. Full credits in the file. To grab it, click the download button to be taken to a download location. In the zip folder you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the full credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Oh and don't worry, I wouldn't forget the celebration coming up on Tuesday in honour of my southern neighbours; so, be sure to come back then for an Independence Day freebie.

Wherever you may happen to reside, enjoy the remainder of your weekend everyone!

Until next time,

ReferenceMartins, Daniel. (2017). The 150 facts (that you never knew) about Canada.
Available:
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/150-facts-about-canada-celebration-day-weather/82267/.
Last accessed 1st July 2017.

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About Me

Hi! My name is Lisa and welcome to my blog. Whether drawing, painting, cross-stitching, card making, or doing nail art, I've been 'creating' since I was knee high to a grasshopper. At the end of 2011, I really started getting interested in the world of card making and nail art. I knew that there were already a lot of creative card makers, digi stamp designers, and nail artists out there and I continue to learn a lot from them, but I needed a place to showcase my work so I could enter some challenges and as a result, created this blog in October of 2012.
I live in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I am happily married to my college sweetheart and we have been married for over 27 years. We were never blessed with children so our 'babies' have always been cats. Currently, we have one female tabby named Marigold.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a blast!

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Welcome to my blog. I am so very glad you are here! There is lots to see--card design, showcases, motivation, inspiration and more! Some of that more includes oodles and oodles of FREEBIES! With well over 100+ free designs available--images, papers, sentiments and other digital goodies--You've come to the right place! Scroll down and click on 'Free' in the label section. I'm sure you'll find something you could use. Don't forget to come back often as new ones are added every week!

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